Let me introduce Kendal Baerg, the new associate vice president (AVP) for South Dakota. Kendal has been a member of the Brookings Aeromates for many years and has served as president and vice president of that organization.
He is a great flier and not only attends many area events, but he has helped organize and orchestrate many of the Aeromates’ local events. He recently helped the club organize a fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He is currently working on an inaugural International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) event in Eastern South Dakota in 2014.
Kendal says of himself, “At age 12, I asked a friend teach me how to fly. No buddy box, we passed the transmitter back and forth. In four sessions I soloed which led to my first plane, an Aircore Knighthawk.
“Six years ago, I found the Aeromates field. I spotted the guys flying, stopped, and asked how I could get back into it. That relationship blossomed and eventually led to my love of big airplanes, including a new 42% Extra 300SP.
“My wife, Amanda, and I are lifelong friends. She has been watching me fly since the beginning. We now have a six-year-old son, Dakota, who shows an interest in flying.”
District IX now has a Facebook page. Look it up or follow this browser link: www.facebook.com/amadistrictix. Please “like,” “follow,” and post to our social networking site.
AVP Ed Paasch of Nebraska sent this information from Alan Zinnecker of the Lincoln Skyknights.
“The Lincoln Sky Knights were invited to fly, display aircraft, and give flight demonstrations as part of the Boy Scout Jamboree held in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 12, 2013. More than 700 Scouts and their families attended the Jamboree.
“Sky Knights pilot Rob Lyman brought out his sizable collection of electric foam aircraft. Rob and his son, Wade Lyman, spent the afternoon flying their collection of 3-D electric- and gas-powered planes. Their aerobatic demonstrations were a definite crowd pleaser for the Scouts.
“The Boy Scouts were able to get a waiver from the city of Lincoln, allowing flights with internal-combustion engines. For the first time in more than 20 years, the Sky Knights were able to fly them within city limits. Hopefully this will lead to additional flying opportunities in the future.
“We had a real treat with a turbine jet run-up, but it was outdone by another engine demo. A crowd quickly formed when Dave Riber started his Dynajet. The noise brought Scouts running and thrilled the crowd with the roar of his rare and unusual power plant.
“The Jamboree was filled with a terrific assortment of car displays and other attractions. Many visitors ranked the Sky Knights’ exhibition their very favorite.
“Thanks to all who helped with the event. With so many kids and families in attendance, the Sky Knights have certainly planted the seed for great things to come.”
An annual rite for many clubs in the frozen portions of District IX is a flying event on New Year’s Day. Several were held throughout the district with the conditions varying from below 0 to the 30s.
My local club, the Propbusters, has missed only one January 1 event in the past 20 years. Fortunately there is the warm chili waiting at the end of a few hours of flying in balmy 20° temperatures.
